LGU

Pass-through fees

October 10, 2023 People's Tonight 569 views

VARIOUS quarters acknowledge that the skyrocketing prices of goods and services not only in the metropolis but elsewhere remains a major headache of the government and the people.

Indeed, the adverse effects of price increases are being felt by everybody in this Southeast Asian nation of 110 million people, especially the unfortunate members of society.

And knowing full well the plight of beleaguered consumers, President Marcos has banned local government units (LGUs) from collecting pass-through fees from motor vehicles carrying goods.

Quickly, Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged ULAP officials to help in the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 41.

Of course, ULAP, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, is the umbrella organization of all leagues of LGUs and locally-elected government officials in the country.

EO No. 41 urges all LGUs to suspend the collection of any form of fees upon all types of motor vehicles transporting goods.

They include sticker, discharging, delivery, market, toll, entry and mayor permit’s fees that are imposed on all motor vehicles loaded with goods that pass through local public roads.

In asking their help in implementing EO No. 41, the DILG top honcho said local government units are essential partners of the national government in achieving national development goals.

We share the view of Abalos, a former chief of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, that the suspension of the collection of pass-through fees facilitates the flow of goods.

Certainly, it is an effective measure aimed addressing the rising prices of goods and services.

AUTHOR PROFILE